Biomedical Engineering at Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biomedical/Medical Engineering
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
47
Pessimistic
Earnings
$54,047/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk
High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Medium (19,900 openings/yr)
ROI
11.4x earnings multiple
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biomedical Engineering graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $586K | $577K | $530K |
| Earnings Multiple | 11.5x | 11.4x | 10.4x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 73% | 67% | 48% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 50 | 49 | 47 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$50,800
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,000
3.3 months of Year 1 earnings
About Northern Illinois University
With 70% of applicants admitted, Northern Illinois University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 11,277 in Dekalb, IL. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.
See all programs and financial aid at Northern Illinois University →Top Career Paths
Architectural and engineering managers
$167,740/yr
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers
$106,950/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary
$106,120/yr
Compare & Explore
Biomedical Engineering at Other Schools
Other Majors at Northern Illinois University
Consider the Trade Route?
Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Biomedical Engineering at Northern Illinois University?
At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Biomedical Engineering programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Biomedical Engineering at Northern Illinois University?
The 50% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Northern Illinois University a good choice for Biomedical Engineering despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Northern Illinois University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →